Prosecutor Paul Spratt said the defendant had fallen out with one of his neighbours in Harcourt Street, Shelton, but matters reached a head on June 20.

Mr Spratt said: “The defendant had a heavy duty piece of chain which he had taped to a makeshift handle and he swung it over his head in the direction of the victim. No contact was made and no injury sustained. But it was plain the defendant had violence in mind."

Police arrived and studied CCTV from the victim's house.

Mr Spratt added: “He was seen to be swinging the chain in the direction of his neighbour. The victim was in the doorway of his property or behind a small gate. The defendant did make a move as if he would go through the gate but he did not."

Buxton pleaded guilty to having an offensive weapon, using threatening words or behaviour, and breaching a suspended sentence.

Duncan Craig, mitigating, said the defendant – a dad-of-two – feels he has let himself down as he had nearly completed the suspended sentence order imposed in September 2015.

Judge Paul Glenn said: “You got involved in this incident. I do not know what caused it. You were seen on CCTV with a large metal chain swinging it and trying to hit a man who lived in the same street.

“You chose to go out in the street. You had adapted that chain by fastening a handle to it.

“It is not unjust to implement the suspended sentence. The main offence was similar in nature. You could not control your temper and keep out of trouble for two years."